Wine O'clock: Review - Let's Talk Wine!

Over the weekend hubby and I went to the Ergon Energy Flower Food & Wine Festival, which is part of the Toowoomba Carnival Flowers held annually in our city. It brings in throngs of people over the weekend to look at the gorgeous flower displays in the local parks, eat great food and drink fabulous wine. Food and Wine Festival was a great day out for us to spend some time together as a family and to enjoy some great food, cooking demonstrations and wonderful wine. One of the highlights was making our way around the local wineries showing off their wares and having a tipple of their best.

I will say right off the mark I am no wine connoisseur but I know what I like and I know what I don't. Hubby and I have enjoyed our fair share of good and bad wines over the years we have been married. The favourites written in stone and stored with great care for a special occasion. We don't drink on a regular occurrence but save cracking open a bottle for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversary's or to celebrate something in particular. There is the odd occasion where a good chilled glass of white wine on a humid summer evening, listening to the crickets hum in the background and simple conversation with those dear to you just seems right. No celebration necessary.

One does not simply drink Pinot Noir, one must accept Pinot Noir after
qualifying to receive her offerings. This lady of perfection has a
vibrant and fine cherry red colour. Her bouquet is powerful and allures
with fragrance of violets and the comforting smell of the forest after
spring rain. Her palate is nothing short of magnificent, her frame is
slight yet incredibly powerful, and she evokes thoughts of the earth.
Vibrant and lively on the palate, she has youth on her side, yet she is a
complex creation. She will reward you now and age gracefully. Bliss!

Does that make you want to sit down and have a glass or what! Whoever writes these literary masterpieces is a genius!

Each wine has then been matched with a recipe created by the Chef. The Pinot Noir was recommended to be served with Paramenters Roast Pork and Prune and Macademia Stuffing. I wanted to use what I already had in my pantry so I decided to make something equally as rich and made a spectacular dish of Slow Cooked Beef Ragu by Donna Hay. The Pinot Noir is a great wine to accompany a rich and fatty dish such as this pasta as it cuts through the richness and cleans the palate. Red wine & pasta - heaven! My husband said this was one of the best dishes I have cooked (thanks Donna Hay) and the wine fit the dish perfectly. If you're a avid Pinot Noir fan and love a good glass of red wine this bottle of wine would be perfect for you.

Few wines reflect the purity of fruit and the influence of subtle inputs
as Méthode Champenoise sparkling wine. Every sip tells a story of the
environment, of the varieties and the craftsmanship. Throughout history,
sparkling wine and Champagne have punctuated events both grand and
diminutive alike, all significant in their own right, and it is
arguably because of the purity of product. Tasmania has established
itself as Australia’s sparkling wine powerhouse. Its cold climate and
mineral rich soils perfect for the nurturing of Chardonnay and Pinot
Noir for the crafting of sparkling wine. A pale straw colour with an
extremely fine bead that lifts the beautiful aromas of fresh brioche
from the extended time on yeast lees. The palate has mouth-watering
natural acidity and flavours of cut apple and grains. This wine is
perfectly balanced by powerful flavours and finesse along with a matched
tightness of acid and mouth-filling texture from aging on lees in this
very bottle.

This wine was matched with a dish created by Alistair of Rock Oysters, Saltwater Vinaigrette, Wakame. Since I am not a oyster fan I decided to serve this wine with a simple grilled fillet of ling fish and a simple salad on a perfect warm spring evening. Although I am not usually a fan of bubbles this wine surprised me and I really enjoyed it with the fish. Slightly sweet, fruity with a nice punch at the end - girls you will enjoy this one!